Cluster of coronavirus cases being probed in Dumfries area

A cluster of coronavirus cases is being investigated in the Dumfries area.

Public health teams from NHS Dumfries and Galloway are working with the locations that have been identified, which include healthcare settings.

Individuals who have been identified as having close contact with a positive Covid-19 case are being contacted by the local Test and Protect Team.

The size of the cluster is unclear.

Earlier this year, a cross-border cluster of coronavirus cases was identified between Dumfries and Galloway and north-west England.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that 161 further Covid infections had been identified, which is 1.9% of all newly-tested Scots.

She also revealed the R number in Scotland – the average number of people each Covid-infected person infects in turn – could be as high as 1.5.

New limits on social gatherings will come into force on Monday in a tightening of coronavirus restrictions.

No more than six people can meet from a maximum of two households, with the rule applying both in people’s homes and also public places, including cafes, bars or restaurants.

However, children under 12 from either of the two households do not count towards the total of six, while some exceptions will be made for events like weddings, civil partnerships and funerals.